Corrosion Protection; Corrosion Information; Maintaining Ground Circuit Continuity; Mercathode System Battery Requirements - Mercury MerCruiser Axius 350 MAG User Manual

With emissions control

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Corrosion Protection

Whenever two or more dissimilar metals are submerged in a conductive solution, such as saltwater, polluted water or water with

a high mineral content, a chemical reaction takes place causing electrical current to flow between metals. The electrical current

flow causes the metal that is most chemically active, or anodic, to erode. This is known as galvanic corrosion. For more information

contact your authorized Mercury MerCruiser dealer and refer to the Mercury Precision Parts / Marine Corrosion Protection

Guide (90‑881813003).

The transom assembly and sterndrive are equipped with a ground wire circuit to ensure good electrical continuity between the

engine, transom assembly, and sterndrive components. Good continuity is essential for the MerCathode System to function

effectively.

The Mercury MerCruiser MerCathode system requires a minimum battery charge of 12.6 volts at all times to maintain functionality.

Boats equipped with a MerCathode system that use shore power, and are not run for a long period of time, must use a battery

charger to maintain a minimum battery charge of 12.6 volts or above.

Boats equipped with a MerCathode system that do not have access to shore power must be operated often enough to maintain

a minimum battery charge of 12.6 volts or above at all times.

IMPORTANT: Replace sacrificial anodes if eroded 50 percent or more.

The anodes protect the metal components on the power package from galvanic corrosion, and erode slowly over time. The

following sacrificial anodes are installed at different locations on your power package.

MerCathode System— The electrode assembly replaces the anode block. The system should be tested to ensure adequate

output. The test should be performed where boat is moored, using Quicksilver Reference Electrode and Test Meter.

90-864197084 NOVEMBER 2008

Section 5 - Maintenance

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